Economist Peter Bacon has chosen an interesting title for his address to a weekend conference of the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Kilkenny from November 1st to 3rd. His paper is called: "Is this the end?"

If some members of the Cabinet have their way, the budget will signal the end of the Bacon measures which have put a damper on much of the housebuilding industry. In fairness, they have also made it easier for first-time buyers to get homes though the builders are now beginning to shake the bushes looking for these much-vaunted buyers, as huge numbers of starter homes remain unsold on virtually every site.

Anyway, the chartered surveyors will also have as guest speaker Stephen Vernon, chief executive of Green Property, who will do a bit of crystal ball gazing and tell us where the action will be next year.